Water damage can occur due to old plumbing, leaky appliances and even weather. In freezing winters, burst pipes or pouring rains can flood basements.
Be aware of the potential causes, to take precautionary steps. Detecting such issues at an early stage and fixing them, prevents them causing further damage. The sooner the problem is noticed and addressed, the less damage and repair costs.
Water damage causes to be aware of
- Leaking or bursting pipes
- Plumbing system issues
- Gutter system
- Flat roofs
- Faulty or worn household appliances like dishwasher and refrigerator
- Buildup in places prone for water accumulation like basement, attics, and crawl spaces
- Toilet overflows
- Weather related water issues
- Sewage backups
- HVAC problems
Water flooding can be catastrophic, but even a small leak can become as dangerous as a full-scale flood. If water damage is not taken care of as soon as it is detected, building integrity can be compromised. This can be a nightmare for occupants. Anyone can get sick from constant exposure to an excessively humid environment.
Development of Mold Colonies
A humid environment indoors promotes mold growth and dust mites. People with certain genetic disorders might develop allergic reactions to such agents. Aspergillus, Cladosporum, Trichoderma, Stachybotrys, Epicoccum, and Penicillium are kinds of mold detected frequently in homes and commercial buildings.
Different kinds of mold spores survive on different surfaces like the ‘yellow slime’ that grows on hardwood mulch and not tilted bath enclosures. There are indoor and outdoor mold species. Even if they are not visible, molds have the tendency to release spores or gases indoors. An expert microbiologist or industrial hygienist is required for environmental assessment.
Mold Exposure Effects on Health
Allergic reactions
Allergic sensitization can be caused due to dust mites and mold droppings [specific IgE antibodies production]. Allergic reactions can result in rhinitis, asthma, allergic fungal sinusitis, urticaria, and conjunctivitis.
Infection
Spending significant time in damp and moldy indoor spaces increases the risk of respiratory infections. Air passage are inflamed as soon as mold spores are inhaled. Antibiotics are necessary to treat bronchitis, and constant exposure to mold must be avoided.
Respiratory illness
Susceptible people find it difficult to breath when active mold growth is nearby. They start to sneeze or cough. Nosebleeds, vomiting, and nausea can also develop as quickly as a few hours indoors breathing mold-contaminated air.
Sometimes, a person with a weak immune system suffers from bleeding lungs. This can become a fatal condition and needs emergency medical care. People already suffering from asthma may experience frequent asthmatic attacks.
Persistent headaches
Another adverse effect of mold exposure is frequent headaches, which can last all day. People are relieved when they leave the building and breathe fresh air. Sometimes, headaches are accompanied by chronic fatigue or increased sensitivity to light. Eventually, this can cause difficulty in thinking clearly or unclear memory.
Rashes
Mold exposure causes skin irritation, which is itchy and can develop into a rash. Another side effect is reddening of eyes, when too much time is spent in mold-contaminated environments. Strange skin sensations like numbness and tingling can develop in different body parts, when exposed to moldy air in buildings.
Prevent Indoor Mold Growth
Controlling moisture is the key to prevent growth of mold spores, which are literally everywhere. To prevent mold growth –
- Remove standing water
- Prevent leaks
- Instantly dry or remove damp furniture and carpets
- Vent areas at risk due to condensation like kitchens and bathrooms
Eliminate Mold if Detected
If the possibility of mold is suspected or detected, have the building assessed for mold and mold spores. During visual inspection, if mold is found, take necessary steps to eliminate them. Mold continues to grow and destroy the property as well as triggering human health issues.
Commercial mold removers can be used to remove small mold amounts visible on hard surfaces. Be sure to take precautions when using mold remover solutions. Follow product instructions cautiously to avoid skin irritation, breathing fumes or chemical splashing in eyes.
For large mold colonies, special removal techniques and extra protection is needed, and specialists should be hired to deal with it.
Significance of Instant Restoration Process
Remediation companies make use of well documented processes and high tech equipment to eradicate the mold growth due to water damage. It is wise to contact a restoration company for a cleanup process, as soon as water damage occurs.
Cleaning instantly helps mitigate the possible health effects on people occupying the commercial or residential space. Top hazard restoration companies such as 911 Remediation are experts.
Hiring a professional restoration company makes the cleanup process easy, because they employ experienced staff, skilled with fire and water damage cleanup and repair. They also specialize in assessing and eradicating mold infestation.
